At first, the students seemed a bit apprehensive of Sparky’s positive energy and light, but after just a few short minutes they were smiling and enjoying every minute of it. Her energy, smile, and happiness are truly contagious.

The next day our 5^th/6^th Grade students met in their “School Families” with students in all the grades and taught them the importance of the Blue Ribbon and the difference it can make. It was powerful to witness these students completely transform into “Sparky” after just one day.

I had a First Grade boy ask me during lunch that day if he could have more blue ribbons because he wanted to honor his family members at home that evening. I told him if he came to my office at the end of the day I would certainly give him the ribbons. When the students were dismissed he came right into my office and asked for the ribbons!

One of the amazing results from this experience was having Sparky back again the next day to watch the students put into action the lesson she taught them. I was impressed with my students throughout the entire day, they made me so proud. It wasn’t until Sparky and I sat down at the end of the day and reflected on the experience that I really comprehended what a great job they had done. Sparky wanted three of my students to go with her and help teach over 600 other students the Blue Ribbon way the following weekend. Imagine, our students standing alongside Sparky in front of an auditorium of 600 elementary, middle, high school students and community leaders teaching acknowledgment!

I hope to become more of a part of the Blue Ribbon Movement and help others see the importance of recognizing one another. Thank you for the amazing presentation and the dramatic impact you had on Urban Discovery Academy’s students! It has made such a difference in our lives!

- Cynthia A Moser
Principal, Urban Discovery Academy, Inc.